Bible Theme: God Made the PlanetsIn this lesson children will learn about God's wonderful creation....not just here on earth, but in outer space as well. It's amazing to think of the vastness of the universe and then remember that God made it all!

Preschool Theme: PlanetsThis page is full of Planet printables! There are planet coloring pages, bible verse bracelets, handwriting worksheets and more! We have everything you need for an out of this world adventure.

"God Made Outer Space" by Heno HeadThe Bible says God created the heavens and the earth. Come and learn about the exciting world God designed just for us!Explore the world of Happy Day Books - filled with fun-to-read stories that teach Christian values. Level 3 features longer stories, greater vocabulary, paragraphs, and more complex subjects. Ages 3-7.

"There's No Place Like Space!" by Tish RabeAu revoir, Pluto! In this newly revised, bestselling backlist title, beginning readers and budding astronomers are launched on a wild trip to visit the now eight planets in our solar system (per the International Astronomical Union’s 2006 decision to downgrade Pluto from a planet to a dwarf planet), along with the Cat in the Hat, Thing One, Thing Two, Dick, and Sally. It’s a reading adventure that’s out of this worl

Popping Planets on the Parachute. Most preschools have a parachute specifically used for large group activities. However, if you do not have a parachute, you can use a large sheet. Place several balls of varying colors and sizes on the parachute. Position the children all around the perimeter of the parachute or sheet and have them grab lifting and dropping the parachute.

Play Dough CenterLet the children create their own solar system out of colorful play dough.

Morning Circle:Ask the children if they enjoyed their "Picnic Party." Tell them that today we'll be learning about another "P" word: "Planets!" Ask them if anyone can name one or more of the planets. Ask them if they know how many planets are in our solar system. Show the children some nice glossy photos of our planets, and help them understand the concept of the solar system.

Explain that there is a special body in our solar system that, until very recently, was one of our planets. It's called "Pluto," and scientists now call it a "dwarf planet." It's very far away from Earth, past and rocky minerals, similar to some planet's moons. That's why space scientists, called astronomers, say it is really not a planet. We used to have nine planets, and now we only have eight!

Planet Sort and CountHave nine (or eight, if you really want to be technical) styrofoam balls (available at craft supply stores) of various the children to sort them into categories by color or size. Let them place them in order from smallest to largest. Count the "planets" in small groups and then as a larger group. (see additional activities for printable versions)

The "sun" shines onto the nine planets as they orbit around it. The central tower and planetary support rods are black so that they "disappear" in a darkened room for a spectacular effect! Replace the solar dome with the star dome included to create a spectacular planetarium sky complete with major constellation names. In addition the base features a special 1000-hour light bulb and planetary longitude marks so the planets can be set up to their correct positions. The Solar System model is powered either by four C batteries (not included) or by an optional AC adapter (not included).

Read: "There's No Place Like Space!" by Tish RabeAu revoir, Pluto! In this newly revised, bestselling backlist title, beginning readers and budding astronomers are launched on a wild trip to visit the now eight planets in our solar system (per the International Astronomical Union’s 2006 decision to downgrade Pluto from a planet to a dwarf planet), along with the Cat in the Hat, Thing One, Thing Two, Dick, and Sally. It’s a reading adventure that’s out of this worl

"God Made Outer Space" by Heno HeadThe Bible says God created the heavens and the earth. Come and learn about the exciting world God designed just for us!Explore the world of Happy Day Books - filled with fun-to-read stories that teach Christian values. Level 3 features longer stories, greater vocabulary, paragraphs, and more complex subjects. Ages 3-7.

Make some Planets!

Let the children experiment with color and texture by making two planets, Mars and Neptune. Give each child two strytofoam balls, one considerably larger than the other (the larger one is Neptune.) Roll the balls around in white glue until well coated. Give each child two containers: one filled with red sand and the other with small bits of torn blue tissue paper (in at least two shades of blue.) Let the children coat the smaller strytofoam ball with red sand for Mars, and the other ball with tiny bits of blue tissue for Neptune. This activity can be adapted for other planets as your time, resources, and creativity allow.

Special VisitorIf a parent in your room has an astronomy hobby, set up a time to let the children do some real night sky viewing. The winter months often provide an especially good time for stargazing due to the cold clear atmosphere.

Planet Sequencing/ Planet MobileThis is a set of printable planets for children to cut out and color (using the above wall chart as a guide) Let them practice putting them in order of size, and distance from the sun. For extended activities, provide them with an old coat hanger and string, and let them make their own solar system mobile to take home. Help them write the names of the planets on the backs.

Planet Coloring Page & HandoutUse these printables to let children color in the different planets, or print the color version to hang up in your classroom.